Brian Burland Centre for Research
His Pioneering Spirit Lives on ...
The Brian Burland Centre for Research is a powerful commitment to the future of Bermudian literature honouring the contribution of a great, but largely unknown, son of the soil.
Brian Burland's fellow writer and friend, Ronald Lightbourne, once suggested that "It would be criminal for another generation of Bermudians to grow up without knowing his work." Creating this Centre began with the Burland family's generous endowment to the Bermuda College.
The Centre features two components - a "vault" which houses the catalogued papers and artwork and a Reading Room, where students, scholars and researchers can access the materials. The vault is climate-controlled and large enough to accommodate other collections that the College hopes to acquire in the future. The Reading Room, while essentially for study, is also a place that celebrates the pioneering nature of Brian Burland's work. As part of this, the College commissioned one of Bermuda's foremost artists, and Bermuda College alumnus, Graham Foster, to paint a mural - with the unique idea of one fine artist interpreting the work of another.
Library
The Bermuda College Library is the only academic library on the island. The Library is an ideal place to study. Comfortable seating and plenty of natural light in a multi-level space creates a nice academic environment. Our collections of Circulating books, Reference materials, Periodicals, Bermudiana and Rare Books are all available for scholars.
The Library is open to everyone in Bermuda. Library membership is available for the general public. Membership is not necessary to use the library, but is needed to take out books on loan or use some other resources such as remote logins for journal databases. (Please see Library Membership Information).
The mission of Bermuda College Library is to successfully facilitate and support the learning and teaching functions of the students and faculty of Bermuda College through the following methods:
- Provide access to accurate, timely, and relevant information and research sources;
- Teach research skills on how to gather traditional and technological resources;
- Promote the Library as a vital complementary component of academic success; and
- Collaborate with faculty to ensure student success.
The skilled Librarians and Staff are able to guide students' research or meet other needs for information gathering, study, or recreational reading at the Library. Whenever you visit the Bermuda College campus, be sure to find the Library in the building with the Clocktower!